Blog

Consult an orthodontist to discuss your orthodontic needs, goals, and treatment options. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, take X-rays and impressions, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.  

Once your orthodontist has assessed your teeth and determined that braces are the best course of action, they will discuss the recommended treatment plan, including the type of braces, estimated duration of treatment, and expected outcomes.  

On the day of your appointment, your orthodontist will place the braces on your teeth, attaching brackets to each tooth and securing them with wires and bands. This process is painless and typically takes about one to two hours.  

It may take some time for your mouth to adjust to the presence of braces, and you may initially experience discomfort or soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help alleviate any discomfort during this adjustment period.  

Throughout treatment, you will visit your orthodontist regularly to adjust your braces. During these appointments, your orthodontist will tighten wires, replace bands, and make necessary modifications to ensure progress toward your treatment goals.  

Proper oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and staining. Brushing and flossing regularly and using orthodontic tools such as interdental brushes and water flossers can help maintain oral health and hygiene with braces.  

Once your braces are removed, you will enter the retention phase of treatment, during which you will wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Your orthodontist will instruct you how and when to wear your retainer to maintain the treatment results.  

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your orthodontist to monitor the stability of your results and address any concerns or issues that may arise.  

With proper care and maintenance, orthodontic treatment results can last a lifetime, giving you a straighter, healthier smile and improved confidence in your appearance.  

Opt for softer, gentle foods on your braces and teeth, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that damage braces or get stuck in wires and brackets.  

Cut your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make eating easier and reduce the risk of damaging your braces. This can help prevent unnecessary pressure on your braces and minimize discomfort while chewing.  

Instead of biting directly into hard foods like apples or carrots, consider cutting them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Alternatively, cook or steam hard vegetables to make them softer and easier to chew.  

Brushing after meals helps remove food particles and plaque from around your braces, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth, brackets, and wires gently.  

Flossing is essential for cleaning between your teeth and under the wires of your braces. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around the brackets and wires, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing plaque buildup.  

Incorporate an antiseptic mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can cause dry mouth and irritation.